My
boys loved Transformers. They even built them out of Legos - extravagant
creations that amazed me. This kept them entertained for hours at a time, and
they played with them for days. God's will for us is to be transformers for His
Kingdom (Romans 12:2).
God
creates a new heart in us, a heart of flesh instead of stone; and He renews our
spirit within us, so that we live a committed life for Him (Psalm 51:10;
Ezekiel 36:26). We remove our self from temptation and resist all urges to take
our focus off the Lord (Ezekiel 18:31).
Prior
to salvation, we were alienated and hostile toward God. We did sinful deeds and
had corrupt thoughts; yet, Jesus reconciled us through His death on Calvary's
cross, in order to present us to Himself as a holy, blameless bride (Colossians
1:21-22).
In
Christ, we are a new person. Our old perspective and desires fade away, and we
adopt a new way of thinking and living our life (2 Corinthians 5:17). Our
spirit is Born Again, and our soul is renewed in the holiness and righteousness
of God (Ephesians 4:22-24).
Jesus
saved us, not because of our own good thoughts or behavior, but by His mercy
(Ephesians 2:8-9). He renewed us by washing us clean and reviving our spirit by
His Holy Spirit (Titus 3:5). We owe Him our undivided attention, allegiance and
obedience.
God
is with us and in us, drawing us to Himself, through every kindness, mishap and
tragedy that we experience. Many people blame Him for their trials and they
reject Him. However, He never turns away from us or abandons us (Hebrews 13:5).
He continually calls us to Himself.
Prayer:
Father
God, You take a distressed and fragmented person, lost and disillusioned by the
evil in this sin-filled world, and transform us into Your child, as co-heir
with Jesus of Your glorious Kingdom of light (Romans 8:17; Colossians 1:13). In
this world where suffering, loss and grief are very real, You give us Your
unwavering love, hope, peace and joy both now and for eternity.
Remind
us not to withdraw from the world, but to be a light that is set up on a hill,
so that people will see our good works and glorify you (Matthew 5:14-16). Give
us daily opportunities to share the gospel of Christ with everyone who will
listen. We thank You for allowing us to enjoy an intimate, personal
relationship with You both now and for eternity.
Thought
for the Day:
When
we are utterly shattered, disheartened and frantic, God invites us to call out
to Him, so that He can answer us and show us the great and mighty plans that He
has for our life - one step at a time. - Jeremiah 33:3
